Alan Shearer speaks of shock at football child abuse allegations
Former England and Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has spoken of his shock and said he was "saddened" to hear of the historical child abuse allegations as the scandal continues to engulf the sport.
The retired footballer told ITV News he was "one of the lucky ones" and was never aware of child sex abuse during his time at Newcastle.
More than 350 victims have come forward to report child sexual abuse within football clubs.
Shearer is an ambassador for the children's charity NSPCC and he commended the bravery of footballers who have spoken out about historical sex abuse.
The Premier League's all-time top scorer spoke out after he was made a CBE by FA president the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.
The 46-year-old, now a television pundit on the BBC's Match of the Day, said he was "honoured and delighted" to receive the honour.